again, the incomparable commitment to democratic party values and to the success of democrats up and down the ballot is immeasurable when it comes to the name of alice fermofd. so -- germond. so, secretary? [applause] >> we want to get to the reception with our vice president, so if you please. and as some of you may have noticed, i jumped up a little earlier when our chair was so kind in her earlier remarks to have said a few words. i was anticipating the chance to speak with you for a moment. so i appreciate the opportunity to do that now. first, obviously, i want to thank all of you who are both my colleague, but more importantly my friends for the incredible warmth and support and, frankly, fun we have had both at dnc meetings and all over the country over these past many years. it has been just a true honor and joy. [applause] and because it is such a true honor and joy, i am honored to continue as secretary emeritus and as an at-large voting member of the dnc when we are putting together our new voting member b at-large groupings at our next meeting. [applause] more importantly, per